Operation Pollinator Award finalists announced - English, British

Four of the UK's top ecological golf courses have made it through to the finals of the Syngenta Operation Pollinator Award, judged as part of the Golf Environment Awards. 

The Operation Pollinator Award rewards golf clubs that consistently deliver outstanding ecological habitat creation and management. The finalists are:

Stella Rixon, senior turfgrass agronomist at STRI Group said, “Every year we are blown away by the Awards' applications and the work golf clubs are doing for conservation, sustainability and ecology.  Shortlisting the finalists this year has been a joy. 

“Working alongside golf clubs on a day-to-day basis, you see first-hand how much greenkeepers care and it’s great to shine a light on the activity taking place at clubs.”   

The other categories, criteria and finalists in this year's Golf Environment Awards are:

Conservation Champion award 

Outstanding individuals who make significant contributions to the success of environmental and ecological management and hence make a fundamental positive impact on the surrounding landscape and biodiversity.

• Matthew Grainger, Brampton Golf Club
• Andy Reason, North Hants Golf Club
• Chris Greely, Royal Dublin Golf Club
• Adam Olliver, Weybrook Park Golf Club 

Ecological Project of the Year

Golf clubs who have implemented a successful ecological project, with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a better environment and are making sound progress in fulfilling the goals of the project.

• Fife Golf Trust
• Formby Ladies Golf Club
• Hinckley Golf Club
• Leckford Golf Club

Sustainable Project of the Year

Golf clubs who have implemented a successful sustainable project with clear objectives and targets that contribute to a better environment and are making sound progress in fulfilling the goals of the project.

• Annahill Golf Club
• Bowring Park Golf Club
• Kingarrok Golf Club
• Bidston Golf Club

International Environmental Golf Course 

Golf clubs outside of the UK that brilliantly demonstrate efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.

• Afriyea Golf Academy
• Camiral Golf & Wellness
• Minthis Golf Club
• Mjolby Golf Club
• Quinta do Lago Resort

UK Environmental Golf Course of the Year

Golf clubs in the UK that brilliantly demonstrate efficient management across nature conservation, turfgrass, waste and water.

• Colmworth Golf Club
• North Hants Golf Club
• West Sussex Golf Club
• Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club

A final judging day is set to take place in November with representatives from The R&A, Syngenta, BIGGA, Aquatrols, Jacobsen and Tillers Turf.  This will determine the winner of each category, set to be announced at the upcoming ceremony on Wednesday 22nd January 2025 at The Crown Hotel, Harrogate.

All winners are rewarded with a £750 grant to help fund further ecological and environmental projects at their clubs, a visit from an agronomic consultant, entry to the Foundation Award in Amenity Horticulture Course, BIGGA membership for the Conservation Champion award winner and promotional materials to display across digital platforms. 

Entry to the awards is completely free with the sole aim of encouraging every eco-conscious golf club to consider applying.

Richard Stuttard, STRI Group director said, “Going into our 30th year of the GEAs, we continue to be impressed by the dedication and commitment to protecting our environment.  The standard of entries is high every year, and we’re delighted to see new individuals and clubs at the awards each year.”

The golf industry prides itself on pursuing change and adopting environmentally conscious practices. 

Clubs across the UK and internationally are showcasing new ways of increasing biodiversity across golf courses is demonstrating an increase in species, a variety of water saving strategies and innovative sustainability projects, creating diverse habitats and helping to protect our natural environment. 

Since the launch of the Golf Environment Awards (GEAs) in 1995, the aim has been to recognise, reward and promote outstanding individuals and golf courses, no matter how big or small, for the time and effort they have put into protecting and preserving their unique surroundings.